I am going back a bit on this, but can anyone remember when Zoo on the Square launched on June 25, 2011? It is hard to believe it has been just over 10 years since it was unveiled and, while we did not know it at the time, it would end up kicking off our annual summer art installation. From superhero cows to pirates, fairytale characters, and painted chairs, we have had some incredible summers. How did we get there?

In 2011, Main Street Monroe had no director. Tracy Hamilton, owner of Heartland Graphics, and Kareesa Wilson envisioned an event that would be last more than a weekend, be family friendly, a reason to come back to Monroe, and meet with friends and family. They took a chance. And with the past 10 years firmly behind us, it is easier to write about how unsure people were of the idea and the investment it takes. At one meeting, someone thought that we would have live giraffes and flamingos on the square for the entire summer. Enter Zoli!

Zoli, who grew up in Romania and moved to the United States in 2003 and Monroe three years later, has been involved in every summer theme. Zoli studied economics and somehow ended up with a career as a chainsaw artist. He has helped bring all our ideas to life. And from Snow White to a fedora, his pieces are incredible. His wife, Marta, as the painter, has also been involved with them for the last four years.

Each year, a group of us, led by Tracy and Kareesa, evaluate what was done the past year and what could be the theme for the next. After 10 years, the total number of ideas discussed but is notable. And after so many years, I sometimes pause when people would ask what a summer theme is. But I think it has now become one of the definitive parts of Monroe. From Zoo passports and a pirate ship on the courthouse lawn to Suzette the Flamingo, SuperCows, and Musical Chairs, our summer themes have been a mix of pop culture, local pride, public art, and imagination. And I want to sincerely thank all the volunteers who continue to make this happen.

Now in 2021, we have come full circle. The idea of creating a giant gameboard kicked off the brainstorming meetings that led to the entire summer theme concept. And, so, while unintentional, we somehow ended up saving Mainopoly for our 10th anniversary. And after a pandemic year, it is nice to be celebrating this milestone and I am proud that Mainopoly is our theme this year. If you have not been downtown, or your friends and family outside the area have not been recently, I hope you will roll the dice on the courthouse lawn, stroll around the sidewalk game board, take advantage of the business tie-ins, notice the creative window displays, do our scavenger hunts, and see all 26 pieces whenever it fits into your schedule during these wonderful summer days. And, most importantly, enjoy this theme as much as so many have the past 10 years. 

—  Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net.